🔗 Share this article Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit Following Contract Ending Over 'Personal Belief' Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a substantial legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This follows his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "personal beliefs." Departure Before Key Event and Key Motivations Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth in the general classification at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to the Vuelta a España in September. The event was subject to widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza. "I terminated my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post. He emphasized that his choice was not taken lightly and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, in addition to major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they were unable to comment on the matter since the dispute is now with the arbitration panel of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. Reuters has also contacted the UCI for comment. Gee acknowledged that departing from the team left him without a contract or protection if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted since he was unable to continue racing for the team. Substantial Demand and Rebranding News "I understand the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "However, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over approximately €30m – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and a person." He expressed that this situation reinforce his view that departing the squad was correct, regardless of the team's recent statement about rebranding and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that sum throughout their careers. Separately, Israel–Premier Tech stated earlier this week that they will undertake a complete rebranding for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their Israeli identity following over ten years.